The King of Clay might need made his last farewell as a professional.
Rafael Nadal performed in what might be his final match Tuesday, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp within the first singles competitors of the Davis Cup and probably capping a profession that features 22 Grand Slams.
Although a victory from Nadal’s teammate Carlos Alcaraz stored their squad alive, even when Spain additionally wins its doubles match to advance, Nadal stated after his defeat that he wouldn’t choose himself to play within the semifinal spherical. Such a choice can be left to Spanish captain David Ferrer if wanted.
Legends from the tennis world had been fast to pay their respects after Nadal’s potential final hurrah. Led by Roger Federer and Serena Williams, listed below are the highest reactions from throughout the sporting world:
Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
As you get able to graduate from tennis, I’ve obtained just a few issues to share earlier than I possibly get emotional.
Let’s begin with the apparent: you beat me-a lot. Greater than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in methods nobody else may. On clay, it felt like I…
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I am not good at goodbyes
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 19, 2024
Thanks for giving every part, @RafaelNadal. pic.twitter.com/Cvye6Lpt20
— Nike (@Nike) November 19, 2024
From watching you win your first grand slam in 2005 to watching you win your final in 2022, you have got been a hero of mine and an inspiration to how I method my very own profession. You may be so missed and tennis will not be the identical with out you. Congratulations on one among… https://t.co/k2I1K3Ct36
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) November 19, 2024
as we speak, I’m from spain 🇪🇸 #rafa
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 19, 2024
Expensive Rafa,
It has been a privilege to observe you evolve on our clay, the place you’ll go away a perpetual mark on such a difficult floor.
We’re proud to rely you as our biggest champion, as a lot in your 14 titles as for the person you might be. Your legacy will dwell on endlessly, on… pic.twitter.com/xJ9P96gRaM
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) November 19, 2024
Phrases cannot categorical it sufficient 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Lv9ZHfAoLa
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) November 19, 2024
From prodigy, to contender, to champion, to legend.
How fortunate we had been to see @RafaelNadal‘s profession unfold 💚💜#GraciasRafa | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lZkep0q6kv
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) November 19, 2024
RAFAEL NADAL 🇪🇸❤️🔥
An icon, a legend, a supply of inspiration. ✨#GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/Lk1DVp7P2O
— The Olympic Video games (@Olympics) November 20, 2024
From one sporting icon to a different ❤️
David Beckham with a heartfelt tribute to the retiring Rafael Nadal.#graciasrafa #daviscup pic.twitter.com/2MDh72vWM8
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
For educating us not to surrender, for uplifting generations, in your love for the sport, gracias Rafa ❤️ #RafaSiempre pic.twitter.com/EeZVFhAXhS
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024